British Firefighters End Strike For Now

Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, February 2, 2003

British firefighters ended their fifth strike in four months on Monday, but the possibility of another walkout loomed after talks with the government failed to produce a settlement to their pay dispute.

Union leaders met with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott for two hours after ending the 48-hour walkout. Prescott's office said the talks had been "very useful" and another session was planned for later Monday.

The latest strike ended at 9 a.m. Over the weekend, the Fire Brigades Union said more stoppages were possible, although none have been announced.

"Perhaps the time to be a little less than reasonable is here," union leader Andy Gilchrist said Saturday. "As long as firefighters are treated with contempt there will be strikes and there will be more strikes."

The FBU was angered by Prescott's suggestion last week that he would use new legislation to impose a settlement on firefighters unless they reach an agreement with local government employers.

Britain's 55,000 firefighters are seeking a 40 percent raise, but have hinted they would settle for less. Employers are offering an 11 percent raise over two years, in return for major changes in working practices. The FBU says the reforms would cost 4,500 jobs.

Military crews and their outdated Green Goddess fire engines have been on standby since Saturday to answer fire emergencies.

In Bristol, southwest England, firefighters broke their strike Sunday to help troops battle a blaze. A 49-year-old woman died in the fire, which broke out in a mobile home.